"Sybil" (1976) follows the odd life of Sybil (Sally Field), a substitute teacher with a serious case of multiple personality disorder. Developing the personalities as a coping mechanism against abuse from her mother, Sybil shares her life with several other facets of herself: aggressive Peggy Lou, suicidal Mary, baby Sybil and many, many more. Her psychologist, Dr. Cornelia Wilbur (Joanne Woodward), was the first to diagnose her and to help overcome her disorder. The TV movie is based on a novel by Flora Rheta Schreiber, and has been adapted from its original TV viewing length to a two hour home video.

Every once in awhile you like to watch something unusual. This is definitely unusual. From the very beginning you sympathize with Sybil and become engrossed in her quest for a normal life. When Sybil is finally recalling her abusive childhood, there are scenes that are very difficult to watch but it's necessary so you understand why she is the way she is. Definitely one of Sally Field's best efforts. I don't know if she received an award for this performance, but if she didn't she should have. Very believable.

Love this movie! I've been looking for it for years & was thrilled I finally found it here at TCM. Sally Fields is at her best. What a heart breaking & disturbing true life story. I recommend it with a box of tissues.

This is a made for TV 1977 movie. It is an intense drama of a true story of young woman whose tortured childhood shattered her into multiple personalities, 13 in all.

Sally Field won an Emmy for her excellent performance. I saw the movie on television and read the book. I vaguely remember the book stating 17 personalities. Sybil grew up in a small town in Wisconsin. Sybil is living in NYC and seeing a psychiatrist; portrayed by Joanne Woodward. When you finally find out the causes of Sybil's disorder, her mother should have committed to a mental institution! Her father should have been arrested for blinding himself to child endangerment! The village doctor should have had his license taken away when he failed to report to authorities the extent of her injuries! This is a real teary eyed story.

Grab a box of tissues! Ugly as the story is, it is something to be seen. If this is too much for you, then watch "The Three Faces of Eve" first.